We knew he’d have a better power season based on the ballpark homerun index of Camden Yards versus that of cavernous Target Field in Minneapolis. But, even Hardy’s hitting coach Jim Presley didn’t anticipate him returning to the 26 homers that he hit in 2007.

“He’s not a 25-home run guy,” Presley said, “but he’s big enough and strong enough, especially in our ballpark to hit 15, 18, 20 homeruns and drive in 74. If he’s going to be hitting in the ninth spot in the order, we need him to do that.”